Old Boys @ SOB Cup – Matchday Preview

The pre-season kicks off for Stegman’s Old Boys on Saturday with a re-match against their final regular season opponent, and Division Two champions Warlocks FC. Though it is a friendly match, players and fans alike are surely salivating over the chance to see these two rivals back in action.

The Old Boys lock horns again with Warlocks on Saturday

“The first meeting, that end-to-end 2-2 draw, was a classic; watching it was like being blasted out of a cannon into a mattress full of cocaine” said Supporters Club President Jon Bogaard “and though the sequel wasn’t as good as the original – they never are – I am looking forward to the third installment.”

Warlocks, preparing for their first campaign in the first division, remain a strong side.

“Our primary objective is to integrate our new signings in a competitive situation, to re-gain our fluidity of play and to not get injured” said Manager Jon Bisswurm. “We’ll be taking this seriously as preparation, but the league opener on May 1 is what we have our eyes on.”

The Old Boys will hardly be at close to full strength. Cole Erickson and George Hanscom will not be available and Dan Hoedeman will likely have his minutes limited as he returns from his keen injury, but otherwise the Old Boys start the season in good sess.

They will need to use all of their depth, with Dynamo Eden Prairie the second opponent of the day. Fellow members of Division Two, Dynamo are a strong and physical team with speed upfront and ability on the ball. Though they have never met the Blues in competitive action, their 2009 League Cup semi-final run underlines their position as a top side in the division and a difficult opponent for the Old Boys.

“It will be good for us to face a different sort of team” continued Bisswurm “and we’re excited to put the new FIFA Lab results into effect against Dynamo. I spent all week getting it set-up, and it better pay off!”

Brandon Overlie will make his first appearance between the sticks, and new signings Dan Hedstrom, Sean Webb, Pete Manning, Daniel Warner and Paul Deignau will make their competitive debut in the tournament as well.

“In a lot of ways it’s a new-look team” said General Manager Nick Sindt “and so this tournament is going to be critical for us to get settled before the league begins. That said, look at those names. The Chairman and I, if I may say so, have brought in huge quality. We’ve become almost Manchester City in terms of our nouveau riche approach to new signings, while retaining a Blackpool-like impish lovability and a Mainz-like tactical progressiveness.”

Results across the board will determine the third opponent of the day, with Division One champions Blast, Division One stalwarts Valencia and new-boys Stegman’s Other Boys all lurking in the other bracket.